Taurus Mountain Race
📍 Taurus Mountains, Türkiye
gravelmtb
Date
14–24 October 2026
Distance
1460km
Difficulty
gravelmtb
Alps Divide
Western Alps, France, Italy, Switzerland · 5 September 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
An incredibly demanding 1000km self-supported bikepacking adventure traversing the rugged Western Alps, featuring an immense 32,000m of climbing. The route utilizes a mix of ancient military gravel paths, quiet paved lanes, and alpine singletrack to connect the Mediterranean Sea to Lake Geneva.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 1000km
- Elevation
- 32,000 m
- Surface
- gravel, tarmac, singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3.5–4.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
It is designed for seasoned ultra-endurance cyclists who love high-altitude mountain challenges, remote self-sufficiency, and spectacular alpine scenery.
Who will struggle
Riders who are unprepared for extreme climbs lasting up to five hours, extensive bike-pushing, or highly technical, steep alpine terrain will find this route overwhelming.
Training focus
Prioritize high-volume climbing endurance, loaded-bike handling on steep gravel, and physical conditioning for frequent hike-a-bike sections.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Ultra, Rally, and Tour options?+
The Ultra is a self-supported timed challenge where you attempt to stay ahead of a virtual tracker; the Rally is a non-competitive group start on a set date without tracking or deadlines; and the Tour is a self-paced option that you can ride on your own schedule using the provided route files.
What kind of roads and trails will I encounter on the route?+
You will ride on a diverse mix of surfaces including historical military gravel roads, rugged 4x4 tracks, quiet paved lanes, and some singletrack paths.
How steep is the terrain and will I need to walk?+
The alpine terrain is exceptionally steep and rough. You should be prepared for individual climbs to take up to five hours and expect to push your loaded bike frequently.
Where does the route start and finish?+
The journey begins in the coastal town of Menton on the Côte d’Azur and travels north through the mountains to finish at Lake Geneva.
What is the highest point of the route?+
The route reaches its physical peak at just under 3000 meters above sea level on the Colle del Sommeiller.